Description: This vibrant and refreshing Zucchini Tomato Salad with Lemon Basil Vinaigrette is the perfect summer dish. It combines the crispness of fresh zucchini with the sweetness of cherry tomatoes and the creamy richness of mozzarella, all brought together by a zesty and herbaceous lemon basil vinaigrette. This salad is light yet satisfying, making it an excellent choice for lunch, a light dinner, or a flavorful side dish. It’s also incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal cooking and allowing you to showcase the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This salad is a symphony of textures and flavors. The zucchini provides a subtle, refreshing base, while the cherry tomatoes burst with juicy sweetness. The mozzarella adds a creamy counterpoint, and the lemon basil vinaigrette elevates the entire dish with its bright, tangy, and aromatic notes. What’s more to love?
- Fresh and Flavorful: It’s a celebration of summer produce at its peak, capturing the essence of fresh, seasonal ingredients.
- Quick and Easy: The salad comes together in minutes, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
- Versatile: You can easily customize this salad to your liking by adding other vegetables, cheeses, or proteins.
- Healthy: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, this salad is a nutritious and delicious way to enjoy your greens.
- Elegant Presentation: The colorful arrangement of zucchini, tomatoes, and mozzarella makes it a visually appealing dish that is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
- For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons White Wine Vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon minced Shallot
- 2 large Fresh Basil Leaves, sliced thin
- For the Salad:
- 2 Medium Zucchini, ends removed and discarded
- 6 large Fresh Basil Leaves, sliced thin
- 8 ounces Cherry Tomatoes in a variety of colors, sliced in half lengthwise
- 5 ounces Small Fresh Mozzarella Balls
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Lemon Basil Vinaigrette.
In a small jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the white wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, finely minced garlic, minced shallot, and thinly sliced fresh basil leaves. Ensuring the lid is securely fastened, shake the jar vigorously until all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed and emulsified. This process blends the oil and vinegar, creating a harmonious dressing. Set the jar aside to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the rest of the salad. The longer the dressing sits, the more the flavors will intensify.
Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini.
Wash the zucchini thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or residue. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Trim the ends of the zucchini and discard them. Using a vegetable spiralizer, prepare the zucchini using the straight blade according to the manufacturer’s recommended instructions. This will create delicate zucchini noodles or strands, adding a unique texture to the salad. Alternatively, if you don’t have a spiralizer, you can slice the zucchini into thin ribbons using a vegetable peeler or a mandoline. If using a vegetable peeler, run it down the length of the zucchini to create thin, wide ribbons. If using a mandoline, use caution and the appropriate safety guard to slice the zucchini into thin, even slices.
Step 3: Combine Zucchini and Basil.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, gently toss the prepared zucchini noodles or ribbons with the remaining fresh basil leaves, which should be thinly sliced. The basil will add a fragrant, herbaceous note to the zucchini, enhancing its subtle flavor. This step also helps to distribute the basil evenly throughout the zucchini. Gently toss the ingredients together to avoid bruising the basil or breaking the zucchini.
Step 4: Arrange the Salad.
Transfer the zucchini and basil mixture to a large serving platter or a shallow bowl. Arrange the zucchini in a bed-like fashion, creating an appealing base for the rest of the ingredients. This will make it easier to showcase the tomatoes and mozzarella. Carefully arrange the cherry tomatoes, which should be sliced in half lengthwise, on top of the bed of zucchini. Use a variety of colors of cherry tomatoes to add visual appeal to the salad. Intermingle the halved tomatoes with the small fresh mozzarella balls, distributing them evenly across the zucchini base. The combination of the red, yellow, and orange tomatoes with the white mozzarella balls creates a vibrant and appetizing display.
Step 5: Dress and Season the Salad.
Just before serving, give the jar of lemon basil vinaigrette another shake to ensure the ingredients are well combined. Pour the dressing evenly over the prepared salad, making sure to drizzle it over the zucchini, tomatoes, and mozzarella. The dressing will coat the ingredients, adding a tangy and herbaceous flavor that ties the entire salad together. Sprinkle the top of the salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper, seasoning to taste. Adjust the amount of salt and pepper according to your personal preference.
Cooking Rating: No Cooking Required
Serving Suggestions:
This Zucchini Tomato Salad with Lemon Basil Vinaigrette is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- As a Side Dish: Serve it as a refreshing side dish alongside grilled chicken, fish, or steak.
- As a Light Lunch: Enjoy it as a light and healthy lunch option.
- As an Appetizer: Serve it as an appetizer at your next gathering.
- With Crusty Bread: Serve it with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful vinaigrette.
- Add Protein: Add grilled shrimp, chicken, or chickpeas to make it a more substantial meal.
Tips:
- For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- If you don’t have fresh basil, you can substitute with dried basil, but the flavor won’t be as vibrant.
- The salad is best served immediately after dressing, as the zucchini can become soggy if it sits for too long.
- You can prepare the dressing and the zucchini ahead of time, but wait to assemble the salad until just before serving.
- If you want to add a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: 250
Protein: 10g
Sodium: 150mg
Conclusion:
This Zucchini Tomato Salad with Lemon Basil Vinaigrette is a delightful dish that is perfect for any occasion. Its simplicity, fresh flavors, and vibrant presentation make it a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a refreshing side dish, or an elegant appetizer, this salad is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy the taste of summer in every bite! This recipe is not just a salad; it’s an experience, a celebration of fresh ingredients, and a testament to the fact that simple can indeed be extraordinary. The combination of textures and flavors dances on your palate, leaving you feeling refreshed and satisfied. Don’t hesitate to experiment with variations, adding your own personal touch to make it a signature dish. The possibilities are endless, and the rewards are immense. So go ahead, give it a try, and discover your new favorite summer salad!
5 Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the individual components of the salad ahead of time. The dressing can be made and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The zucchini can be spiralized or sliced and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving to prevent the zucchini from becoming soggy.
Q2: Can I substitute the mozzarella balls with another type of cheese?
A: Absolutely! If you don’t have mozzarella balls on hand, you can substitute with other types of cheese such as feta cheese, goat cheese, or even small cubes of provolone or cheddar. Each cheese will impart a different flavor profile to the salad, so choose one that complements the other ingredients. Feta cheese will add a salty, tangy flavor, while goat cheese will provide a creamy, slightly tart taste.
Q3: Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
A: Certainly! This salad is highly versatile, and you can easily add other vegetables to suit your taste. Some great additions include sliced cucumbers, bell peppers (in various colors), red onion (thinly sliced), or even grilled corn kernels. Each vegetable will add a unique texture and flavor to the salad, making it even more interesting and nutritious.
Q4: What if I don’t have white wine vinegar? Can I use another type of vinegar?
A: Yes, you can substitute white wine vinegar with other types of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar. However, keep in mind that each vinegar will have a slightly different flavor profile. Apple cider vinegar will add a slightly sweet and fruity note, while red wine vinegar will provide a more robust and tangy flavor. Adjust the amount of vinegar to taste, depending on your preference.
Q5: How can I make this salad a more substantial meal?
A: To make this salad a more substantial meal, you can add a source of protein, such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. You can also add a handful of cooked chickpeas or white beans for added protein and fiber. Another option is to serve the salad over a bed of quinoa or couscous to make it a more filling and satisfying dish.
